The Narrative Triangle of Robert McKee, On Structure of Scripts

Yo folks, let’s start today’s discussion on another pattern of thinking and writing which consists of the view of Robert McKee, one of the greatest teachers of screenwriting (and possibly writing, I would say), on structure of scripts. Clearly indicating that experience is overestimated, studying and reading materials as well as social observation constitute a greater power for the author of the book, who has created The Narrative Triangle, meaning, 3 different types of plot and structure. 

In this triangle exists the entire set of the cosmology of screenwriters, and writers I would say and their multi-level visions of what they dream, hope and act for. For you to understand your position in this universe you have to study the coordinates of this map, make the comparison with your work and let it direct you to the point at which you can share with other… writers, the same vision with yours. Robert McKee suggests that behind policies around funding, awards and distribution there is a cultural gap which is being reflected at the edges of this triangle named hyper-plot, mini-plot and anti-plot. Hyper-plot consists of global cinema including Hollywood. Even to Hollywood, someone who is being directed to the other sides, shrinks the audience! 

Simply put, it rises doubts to the nature of intellectuality. Through hyper-plot the protagonist confronts mainly outside forces of competition. One of the most important aspects, before moving on, suggests the notion of non-cohesive reality. People jumping from one reality to another, one behavior to another, so as the narrative events jump without sequence as well, leading to a sense of absurdity… Based on coincidence and not causality maybe? But let’s view this concept analytically:

Hyper-plot: Causality, Closed finale, Linear time, Outside conflicts, One protagonist, Cohesive reality, Active protagonist

Mini-plot: Open finale, Inner conflicts, Multiple protagonists, Passive protagonist

Anti-plot: Coincidence, Non-linear time, Non-cohesive realities

Closed finale and open finale simply mean that all questions related with the story and all feelings provoked are being answered or not answered (at an open finale). The audience leaves having experienced a balanced story, no doubt, no sense of unfulfilled.

Outside versus inner conflicts, mean that at hyper-plot even though characters face outside forces, emphasis is being put at problems with their personal relationships, social institutions or forces of nature!! Contrary, to mini-plot even though the protagonist faces outside forces, with the environment maybe, it’s a psychological battle confronting emotions and thoughts.

Even though many of you understand linear with non-linear narrative, this aspect of the triangle contradicts at hyper-plot circular narrative or in medias res. What we’ve been saying about intellectuals, meaning, an in medias res narrative begins from the middle and circulating around it. Or perhaps making circles.

Active versus non active protagonist suggests that the active one follows his desires by conflicting outside people and the world surrounding him. The non-active one even though being inactive from an outside point of view, follows his desire inwards, conflicting elements of his personal nature.

Last but not least, causality versus coincidence, points that causality has consequences, consequences bread new consequences, even though anti-plot suggests a sense of coincidence and randomness, that breaks causality chains and leads to a scattered reality including absurdity.

I hope you enjoyed this analysis!